Journal of Bone and Mineral Research | G. Zhang, L. Qin, Y. Shi | Not specified (highly cited primary RCT) | 2007

Randomized Control Trial (RCT) , Double Blind Study , Large Human Trial , Highly Cited , Very Rigorous Journal

This randomized controlled trial found that Epimedium flavonoids, including icariin, significantly prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women over 24 months. Bone mineral density at the hip and spine improved compared to placebo. Results suggest icariin's potential for osteoporosis management in humans.

Frontiers in Pharmacology | S Shi, Y Shi, J Huang, Y Zhou, H Gao, J Wang | 41 | 2022

Systematic Review , Meta Analysis , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of Epimedium (rich in icariin) for osteoporosis, revealing improved bone mineral density and clinical outcomes in treated patients. Icariin is highlighted for its anabolic bone effects and potential as adjuvant therapy.

Cellular and Molecular Biology | Y Liu, Jingyuan Xiong | 21 | 2017

Animal Trial , Systematic Review , Meta Analysis , Rigorous Journal

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that icariin treatment in ovariectomized rats led to significant improvements in bone mineral density at the femur and lumbar spine. Icariin was confirmed as effective against rat models of postmenopausal bone loss.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | XF Li, YJ Wang, L Huang, ML Qian, X Wang, SL Ding | 90 | 2013

Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This experimental study showed that icariin significantly stimulated local bone formation and prevented bone loss in osteoprotegerin-deficient mice. Dose-dependent bone formation was observed, and icariin reversed trabecular bone loss and reduced osteoclast numbers. The findings indicate icariin may have therapeutic value for bone health and osteoporosis.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | Y Zeng et al. | 69 | 2022

Systematic Review , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This comprehensive review consolidates primary studies and mechanistic findings on icariin's cardiovascular protection, highlighting its ability to inhibit myocardial apoptosis and inflammation, protect endothelial cells, and improve outcomes in animal models of hypertension and heart failure.

Life Sciences | Y Wang et al. | 34 | 2016

Animal Trial , In Vivo Experiment , Rigorous Journal

This study evaluated icariin's effects on atherosclerosis development in Apoe knockout mice, demonstrating that icariin reduced lesion area, macrophage infiltration, and CX3CR1/CX3CL1 expression in arterial walls. Findings suggest icariin exerts anti-atherosclerotic actions via modulation of inflammatory pathways independently of its lipid-lowering effect.

Frontiers in Pharmacology | J Fang et al. | 108 | 2017

Literature Review , Highly Cited , Rigorous Journal

This review summarizes primary research showing that icariin from Horny Goat Weed protects against cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-modulatory effects, as well as by improving endothelial function and reducing platelet activation.

Journal of Neurochemistry | YJ Chen et al. | 68 | 2015

Animal Trial , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited , In Vivo Experiment , Controlled experimental study

This study evaluated icariin's neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating significant improvements in spatial learning, memory retention, neuronal activity, and synaptic plasticity. Icariin reduced amyloid plaque deposition and inhibited beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression. The findings suggest icariin preserves mitochondrial function and neuronal health in neurodegenerative conditions.

Frontiers in Pharmacology | C Angeloni et al. | 86 | 2019

Rigorous Journal , Literature Review , Highly Cited

This review synthesizes experimental evidence for icariin's neuroprotective role in Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting mechanisms such as enhancement of synaptic plasticity, reduction in neuroinflammation, and direct prevention of apoptosis in neurons. Evidence is drawn from numerous in vivo and in vitro studies involving models of AD and neuroinflammation.

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity | LR Li et al. | 27 | 2022

Rigorous Journal , Literature Review , Highly Cited

This review compiles recent primary research indicating icariin confers neuroprotection against brain injury, ischemic stroke, and neurocognitive impairment by reducing inflammation and activating neuroprotective signaling pathways. Evidence includes improvements in learning, memory, and neuronal survival in models of cerebral ischemia and neurodegeneration.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications | B Wu et al. | 8 | 2024

In Vitro Trial , Rigorous Journal , Controlled experimental study

This primary research demonstrates that icariin directly targets the p53 pathway to prevent ceramide-induced neuronal senescence and neurodegenerative pathologies in vitro. The findings indicate a novel protective mechanism of icariin relevant to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Journal of Sexual Medicine | AW Shindel et al. | 198 | 2010

Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This study evaluated the effects of Icariin on blood flow and erectile function in rats with cavernous nerve injury. Icariin treatment increased intracavernous pressure and expression of key nitric oxide synthases, indicating improved erectile hemodynamics and tissue health. The results suggest Icariin has neurotrophic and erectogenic effects potentially relevant to erectile dysfunction.

Asian Journal of Andrology | WJ Liu et al. | 126 | 2005

Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This study assessed the effect of oral Icariin on erectile function and nitric oxide synthase expression in castrated rats. Icariin improved erectile function, increased intracavernosal pressure, and enhanced the expression of specific nitric oxide synthases in penile tissue. These findings indicate that Icariin may ameliorate erectile dysfunction via its effects on penile blood flow and molecular pathways.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine | Fei Gong et al. | N/A | 2023

Animal Trial , Controlled experimental study , Rigorous Journal

This study found that Icariin treatment enhanced erectile function in hypertensive rats by regulating GRK2 and the AKT/eNOS/NO signaling pathway. The results demonstrate improved blood flow, reduced oxidative stress, and less apoptosis in penile tissue. The findings provide a mechanistic link between Icariin's vascular effects and erectile improvement.

Frontiers in Pharmacology | J Fang et al. | 108 | 2017

Literature Review , Rigorous Journal , Highly Cited

This comprehensive review summarizes preclinical evidence showing Icariin improves blood flow by correcting endothelial dysfunction, reducing vascular inflammation, and preventing atherosclerosis progression in animal models. It highlights molecular pathways affected by Icariin, supporting its cardiovascular benefits and potential for clinical applications in vascular disorders.